By: Nwosu Collins
Queues have returned to fuel stations in Ilorin, Kwara State, as petrol scarcity continues to spread across Nigeria. The scarcity has led to a surge in prices, with a litre of petrol selling for between N670 and N1000 in major marketers’ filling stations and independent fuel marketers’ outlets.
Most filling stations in Ilorin were closed, claiming to be out of stock. A manager of an independent fuel marketer, who spoke on condition of anonymity, attributed the scarcity to the lack of importation and loading of petrol in Lagos. He blamed the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) for being the sole importer of the product, stressing that the situation will persist until the local refineries are functional.
Meanwhile, the NNPC has attributed the fuel scarcity to recent rains, lightning, and thunderstorms. Dapo Segun, NNPC’s Vice-President (Downstream), made this claim at a press conference in Abuja, failing to address the concerns of marketers and consumers. The scarcity has led to frustration among motorists and commuters, who are calling on the government to address the issue urgently.